Lancet
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In 2016, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) changed from covering the full cost of secondary care in contracted public and private hospitals in Lebanon, Jordan, to requesting that these hospitals pay 10% of the costs. Meanwhile, services at UNWRA-contracted Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) hospitals remained fully covered. We did a health economics analysis to assess the effects this policy change on the demand for secondary care in UNRWA hospitals. ⋯ None.
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Clinical audit plays a fundamental role in improving the quality of patient care and hence, is considered a cornerstone of clinical governance. This quality improvement tool is newly introduced in the health-care system of the Gaza Strip. Although the number of audits completed in Gaza has been increasing over the past few years, little evidence is available of subsequent quality improvements in practice. ⋯ None.
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Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses worldwide, and it is increasing in prevalence. Urinary incontinence is another worldwide health problem, with a reported prevalence that ranges from 9% to 67%. It decreases quality of life for men and women and has been associated with many poor outcomes, such as longer hospital stays, recurrent or persistent urinary tract infection, and a higher mortality rate. Previous studies have suggested that diabetes is an independent risk factor for urinary incontinence. In addition, the patients' background and clinical characteristics such as age, obesity, and child-bearing history have been found to increase the risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women with type 2 diabetes in the north West Bank and to assess the role of potential risk factors, including age, marital status, weight, and diabetes control. ⋯ None.
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Cut wounds and lacerations are common, but effective treatment is essential to achieve good cosmetic outcomes and maintain function. We assessed the use of local anaesthetic, infection control procedures, and antibiotics in the management of cut wounds and lacerations. ⋯ Poor adherence to hand washing policies, environmental cleaning, and use of antibiotics was seen. Relevant reasons might be workload, lack of facilities, or lack of awareness of infection control polices, or a combination of these factors. Clear and consistent leadership with staff education and feedback needs to be implemented to achieve sustainable culture change and improve infection control management in Gaza hospitals.
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Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It accounts for significant morbidity, including lower extremity amputations. There are few studies on the prevalence of DPN among Palestinian refugees in Jordan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DPN and its associated factors among Palestinian refugees with diabetes in the Nuzha area of Jordan, using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). ⋯ None.